Overview

The Two Bit Hooker Jig is Charlie Craven's jigged version of his Two Bit Hooker, created after he watched guides in Wyoming and Idaho catch fish on perdigons. It keeps the slim mayfly nymph profile of the original and adds a jig hook and two tungsten beads.

Because the jig hook rides point up, Craven ties the wing case on what becomes the top of the fly, so it looks right to the fish. The two tungsten beads sink it fast through deep runs and pocket water, and the hook position means fewer snags on the bottom. Umpqua lists it for BWO, PMD and drake hatches.

Euro Specs

• Bead: Two tungsten beads.
• Hook: Jig hook, rides point up.
• Role: Both; anchor fly in the larger sizes, dropper in 16.

How to Fish It

• Euro nymphing: fish it on the point or a tag, leading the flies through the run on a tight line.
• Under an indicator: its quick sink keeps it near the bottom on short drifts.
• Dry-dropper: the 16 hangs well under a buoyant dry in riffles.
• Timing: fish it before and during BWO, PMD and drake hatches, when nymphs are active.

Choosing Color and Size

Olive is the natural choice for Blue Wing Olive and other olive mayfly nymphs. Red is an attractor that stands out in deeper or slightly off-color water.

Use 12 for drake nymphs or as a heavy anchor, 14 for PMDs and general nymphing, and 16 for Baetis and as a dropper.